Richard Fitzalan - Icon Profile | Alexandria
Richard FitzAlan (c. 1306-1376), 10th Earl of Arundel and 8th Earl of Surrey, stands as one of medieval England's most influential nobles, whose life exemplified the complex interplay of power, loyalty, and political survival during the turbulent reign of Edward III. Known alternatively as Richard of Arundel, he emerged as a central figure in England's military and political landscape, wielding influence that would help shape the kingdom's destiny during the early stages of the Hundred Years' War.
First mentioned in contemporary records upon inheriting his father's titles in 1326, FitzAlan's early years coincided with the dramatic fall of Edward II and the rise of Queen Isabella and Roger Mortimer's regime. Initially aligning himself with the new power structure, he demonstrated remarkable political acumen by later supporting Edward III's coup against his mother's authority in 1330, a strategic decision that would cement his position among the kingdom's elite for decades to come.
FitzAlan's military prowess and diplomatic skills made him indispensable to Edward III's French campaigns. His finest hour came at the Naval Battle of Sluys in 1340, where he served as Admiral of the Western Fleet, helping secure a decisive victory that established English naval supremacy in the Channel. Beyond his martial achievements, FitzAlan was a shrewd administrator who substantially increased his family's wealth and influence, particularly through his marriage to Eleanor of Lancaster, which brought significant lands and connections to the crown.
His legacy endures not only through his military accomplishments but also through his architectural patronage, particularly his enhancement of Arundel Castle, which remains one of England's most impressive medieval fortifications. The FitzAlan Chapel at Arundel, completed after his death, stands as a testament to his family's power and artistic patronage. Modern historians continue to debate the extent of his influence on Edward III's military strategy and the degree to which his political maneuvering shaped English foreign policy during the critical early phase of the Hundred Years' War, making him a figure whose full impact on medieval English history remains ripe for further investigation.